The Explore Series | Part Two – A sunny disposition

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Natural light acts as a source of energy for your body. The water held inside our bodies responds positively to it, creating a current that powers the body and enhances our mood.

Louise Westra, Naturopath at The Spa at Gleneagles, Scotland

Louise Westra, Naturopath at The Spa at Gleneagles, Scotland

Travelling across time zones can knock our systems off balance. The further you travel, the more impact on your body. To help your body recover, Louise recommends that, for every time zone that you cross, you allow one day to readjust.

“Get as much natural light as you can in the first hour after your arrival to help address this imbalance further”, advises Louise. “This is because exposure to full spectrum natural light acts as a switch for our endocrine system, aiding a more balanced release of hormones.”

With spectacular green spaces, nature reserves and areas of bio-diversity conservation, visitors to Singapore have boundless beauty to explore in the natural light that feeds the city. On arrival, drop your bags, head outside for an hour’s walk and let natural light rebalance and re-energise mind and body.

ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa takes full advantage of the island’s lush green surroundings, immersing guests in nature and light throughout every corner of the resort.

ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa

We Recommend | Residing in nature

Choose a suite beneath the canopy of native trees and allow the rising sun to provide a gentle, natural wake-up call. Or, for the ultimate indulgence, book a treatment in one of the private Garden Suites or Beach Villas within the grounds and be enveloped in the natural light around you.

At Home| Take a digital detox

Nicola Baillie, ESPA Senior Trainer

Whether home or away, making small opportunities to welcome natural light will aid significant improvements in restoring your body’s natural balance. Nicola Baillie recommends these four simple switches:

MORNING

When you wake, don’t instantly look at your mobile phone. Instead, open your curtains, observe the weather, open a window and breathe in the air. Choose an old-fashioned alarm clock to begin your day, avoiding the digital alternative, with blue light disturbing the room’s darkness overnight.

MIDDAY

Though we lead busy lives, aim to spend 20-30 minutes of your lunch break outside. Appreciate the light on your skin and the fresh air in your lungs. Don’t let the prospect of sun damage put you off bathing your skin in sunlight, simply remember to wear an SPF to protect the skin.

AFTERNOON

Whenever you find yourself outdoors, be more mindful. Take in what is around you, allowing light to enter your eyes, rather than looking at your phone and the artificial light it emits. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, try and access full spectrum natural light in the hour after you land, to acclimatise to your new time zone.

NIGHT-TIME

Try not to let a screen be the last thing you look at before you sleep. Stop using your devices two hours or so before bed, or better still, remove them from the bedroom altogether. Lie quietly and bring your attention to your breath. Let your eyes observe the room’s natural darkness, helping your circadian rhythm to work naturally.